TÜV Rheinland and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have entered into a Public Private Partnership to deliver Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) Training to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This PPP extends the existing license agreement that has enabled TÜV Rheinland to provide SCORE Training to small and medium size factories in China.
SCORE Training is a modular training package and methodology, which aims to improve productivity, employee cooperation and working conditions within SMEs. The five module training program focusses on workplace cooperation, quality management, cleaner production, occupational health and safety as well as human resource management. SCORE Training demonstrates international best practice in manufacturing and service sectors and supports SMEs to succeed within global supply chains. Each module includes a two-day classroom training session for managers and workers, followed by on-site consultations with industry experts that help put the training into action in the workplace.
The ILO is assisting government agencies, training providers, industry associations and trade unions in emerging economies in Africa, Asia and Latin America to offer SCORE Training to enterprises. The project is managed by a global team based in ILO Country Offices and Headquarters in Geneva. The SCORE Programme is supported by the Governments of Switzerland, Norway and the ILO.
Since inception in 2009, SCORE Training has witnessed enterprise improvements in over 1,400 SMEs, benefitting more than 300,000 employees globally. Today, participating enterprises experience up to 50 % increased productivity, better workplace cooperation, less delays and a reduction in defect rates of up to 66 %.
Timothy Miller, Vice President of Academy & Life Care highlights the importance of the SCORE Programme: “We are pleased to have entered into a Public Private Partnership with the International Labour Organization. This is a great program that proactively supports SMEs to increase productivity and establish international best practices. With the great results we already see in China, we look forward to further expanding the program with ILO across Asia and beyond.”
“This partnership will enable us to continue building on the great results we have already achieved in changing the culture of SMEs around the globe. A respected institution with over 145 years of experience, partnering with TÜV Rheinland affords us the opportunity to expand beyond the borders of our 11 active national partners, to fulfill demand from where ever it is needed. For SCORE Training, this means a more comprehensive solution for lead buyers’ looking to implement training for a more sustainable supply chain,” Michael Elkin, Chief Technical Officer, ILO SCORE Programme.
The planned scaling up of SCORE Training, enabled by the ILO TÜV Rheinland partnership, will initiate long-term improvements in supplier practices and demonstrate the business case for decent work: a win-win for employees, employers and buyers around the world.